---
title: "CRISPR-edited beagles lack main dog allergen, study finds"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/tech/crispr-edited-beagles-lack-main-dog-allergen-study-finds"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/crispr-edited-beagles-lack-main-dog-allergen-study-finds"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/tech/crispr-edited-beagles-lack-main-dog-allergen-study-finds.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/crispr-edited-beagles-lack-main-dog-allergen-study-finds"
category: "Science & Tech"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-08-05T15:45:44.524Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-05T13:41:33.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-05T15:45:44.524Z"
trust_score: 74
critic_score: 95
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-05T15:30:07.188900+00:00"
---

# CRISPR-edited beagles lack main dog allergen, study finds

*Scientists at Kindred Companion Sciences used gene editing to remove the protein that causes most dog allergies in humans*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 74 of 100, higher is better. Trust 74: multiple named sources, CRISPR Journal citation, specific dates and locations, but no independent outlets beyond the full report.
- Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic 95: clear relevance, many expert quotes, specific facts, and outlined future uncertainties.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Hype 15: measured language, no exaggerated claims, headline matches article content.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Scientists at Kindred Companion Sciences used CRISPR to edit a gene in beagles, creating two puppies named Alfie and Bailey without the main allergy-causing protein in dogs.
- The study, published in the CRISPR Journal, found the beagles' saliva and fur lacked the protein, and geneticist Matt Walker, who has severe dog allergies, experienced no reaction when exposed to them.
- Bioethicist Arthur Caplan warned the technology could discourage adoption of shelter animals, while the long-term health effects of the genetic edit remain unclear.
- The technique has not yet been tested on other dog breeds or commercialised, and further research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.

Scientists at Kindred Companion Sciences, a New York-based biotech company, used CRISPR gene editing to produce two beagle puppies without the main protein that causes dog allergies in humans. The puppies, named Alfie and Bailey, were born in September 2024 after researchers edited the genetic code in dog skin cells to switch off the gene responsible for the allergy-causing protein. The edited genetic code was then transferred into eggs implanted in a beagle surrogate.

Tests on the puppies' saliva and fur showed no signs of the allergy-causing protein. Geneticist Matt Walker, who co-founded Kindred Companion Sciences and has severe dog allergies, tested the beagles on himself. He reported no allergic reaction when exposed to Alfie and Bailey, unlike his reactions to other dogs, including breeds marketed as hypoallergenic. The study was published in the CRISPR Journal on 4 September 2026.

Walker, who now lives with Bailey in New York, described the experience as "a mix of relief and awe and gratitude that it worked." He noted that the gene edited in the beagles is present in all dogs, and the company plans to test the technique on other breeds and service animals. However, experts not involved in the study cautioned that the long-term health effects of the genetic edit are unknown, and further testing is needed to confirm the technique's safety and effectiveness across a broader population.

## What the coverage left out

None of the digests from left-rated outlets mentioned the ethical concerns raised by bioethicist Arthur Caplan about the potential impact on shelter adoptions. The right-rated digest also omitted this detail. The left-rated digests did not include the name of the CRISPR Journal, where the study was published, though they noted the use of CRISPR technology. The right-rated digest did not mention the journal or the need for long-term health monitoring of the puppies.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 28 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 42% (11)
- Centre: 58% (16)
- Right: 0% (1)

3 of 31 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-05T15:30:07.188900+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-05T16:00:55.531Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The three left-rated digests carried the study’s publication in the CRISPR Journal and the names of the two beagles, Alfie and Bailey. They noted that the gene edit was performed using CRISPR, a Nobel Prize-winning technique, and that the edited puppies lacked the main allergy-causing protein in dogs. None of the digests mentioned the ethical concerns raised by bioethicist Arthur Caplan or the potential impact on shelter adoptions.

### Centre

- The six centre-rated digests all led on the creation of hypoallergenic beagles using CRISPR gene editing. They included the names of the puppies, the absence of the allergy-causing protein in their saliva and fur, and the involvement of Kindred Companion Sciences. The full report from My Mother Lode, a centre-rated outlet, provided additional detail: it quoted bioethicist Arthur Caplan warning that the technology could discourage adoption of shelter animals, and noted that the gene edit is rare but occurs naturally in some dogs.
- The My Mother Lode report also included a direct quote from geneticist Matt Walker describing his personal experience with Bailey, and mentioned that the study was published in the CRISPR Journal. It carried the ethical concerns raised by Caplan and the need for further testing to confirm the technique’s safety and broader applicability.

### Right

- The single right-rated digest from Breitbart led on the creation of hypoallergenic beagles using gene editing. It included the names of the puppies and the absence of the allergy-causing protein but did not mention the ethical concerns raised by Arthur Caplan or the potential impact on shelter adoptions. The digest also did not reference the study’s publication in the CRISPR Journal or the long-term health monitoring required for the puppies.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 1
- high: 18
- unknown: 3
- veryHigh: 9

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Independent Online](https://dailyindependent.com/national/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_241918bb-fdbf-560b-b96a-8cac48315397.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Yankton Press & Dakotan](https://yankton.net/news/national_ap/article_a1267d9d-e234-5b12-a37a-61c07b54dbf6.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Mankato Free Press](https://mankatofreepress.com/news/state_national_news/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_f1a7c03b-8765-556d-b14d-8c9a0c9d3340.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/nation/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_17ba69f1-9d8a-58e6-899c-95cd83f9ca1c.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Leader-Telegram](https://leadertelegram.com/news/nation-world/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_972acc36-81a1-5d0f-85a3-b1cd8dc09040.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [mykxlg.com](https://mykxlg.com/news/national/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_2582f16d-c02b-50d1-a1b8-69c64f4cbb9c.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [somdnews.com](https://somdnews.com/ap/nation/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_444e3bd8-4053-59de-bbe0-b3993ad6e517.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/health-news/11044081/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/estilo/salud/los-beagles-modificados-geneticamente-podrian-ser-una-opcion-futura-para-alergicos-a-perros-b3027904.html) — Genetically Modified Beagles Could Be a Future Option for Dogs Allergic
- [Stuff](https://stuff.co.nz/world-news/361016369/geneedited-beagles-may-offer-future-option-people) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/lifestyle/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies-12629032) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/apnewsflow/science_technology/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_3eb2a800-f9a2-546b-b234-f0cb46318ec7.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Finger Lakes Times](https://fltimes.com/news/nation/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_e4e6407f-32b3-5bc6-bf1d-acbd4ec5d0cb.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Rutland Herald](https://rutlandherald.com/ap/lifestyles/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_e54a738a-2699-5689-9d45-1b1f44823ded.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/crispr-new-york-scientists-new-york-university-dogs-b3027878.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog alle
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/lifestyle/hypoallergenic-dogs-crispr-pet-allergies-c04832) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News…](https://genengnews.com/topics/genome-editing/fur-real-biotech-startup-eliminates-major-dog-allergen-in-beagle-pups-using-crispr) — Fur Real: Biotech Startup Eliminates Major Dog Allergen in Beagle Pups Using CRISPR
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/hypoallergenic-dogs-crispr-pet-allergies-f5bd8cb438dfd1a9d1cccd4a1d46fd2a) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Click on Detroit](https://clickondetroit.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [KSAT 12](https://ksat.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [News 4 JAX](https://news4jax.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/health/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Wired](https://wired.com/story/gene-edited-puppies-wont-trigger-allergies) — Gene-Edited Puppies Will Melt Your Heart—but Won’t Trigger Your Allergies
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Breitbart](https://breitbart.com/news/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/life/health-wellness/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_45c58c03-d9fa-5ee3-a722-1662b2e24078.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/life/health-wellness/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies/article_55edf502-bac4-5180-b4d0-e02635f5217a.html) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/2026/08/05/gene-edited-beagles-may-offer-a-future-option-for-people-with-dog-allergies) — Gene-edited beagles may offer a future option for people with dog allergies
- [Discover Magazine](https://discovermagazine.com/a-new-gene-editing-technique-may-reduce-some-crispr-risks-but-raises-ethical-concerns-49438) — A New Gene Editing Technique May Reduce Some CRISPR Risks, But Raises Ethical Concerns

## Questions

**What did the scientists edit in the beagles?**

Scientists at Kindred Companion Sciences used CRISPR to edit a gene in beagles that produces the main allergy-causing protein in dogs. The edited puppies, Alfie and Bailey, lacked this protein in their saliva and fur, which was confirmed through testing.

**Did the gene-edited beagles trigger allergies in people?**

Geneticist Matt Walker, who has severe dog allergies, tested the beagles on himself and experienced no allergic reaction. The study found that the puppies' saliva and fur lacked the main allergy-causing protein, which is responsible for most human dog allergies.

**What are the ethical concerns about the gene-edited beagles?**

Bioethicist Arthur Caplan warned that the technology could discourage people from adopting shelter animals, as it may lead to a preference for engineered, hypoallergenic pets. The long-term health effects of the genetic edit are also unclear and require further monitoring.

**Which outlets reported on the ethical concerns?**

The full report from My Mother Lode, a centre-rated outlet, included the ethical concerns raised by bioethicist Arthur Caplan. None of the left-rated or right-rated digests mentioned these concerns.

---

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